Nigeria@65: ICAN UK to Spotlight Resilience and Reform at Pre-Independence Seminar
By Julius Abel
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence anniversary, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), United Kingdom and District Society, is convening a high-level pre-independence seminar to interrogate the nation’s economic realities and chart pathways for sustainable growth.
The virtual event, themed “Nigeria@65: A Call to Resilience and Reform for Nigeria’s Sustainable Growth,” is scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. UK time. Participants will also benefit from Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) credits.
Nigeria at a Crossroads
The seminar comes at a time when Nigeria grapples with mounting economic pressures, ranging from inflationary trends and dwindling foreign reserves to structural weaknesses in governance and productivity. Analysts note that despite its vast human and natural resources, the country continues to face hurdles in achieving inclusive and sustainable growth.
ICAN UK said the conversation is intended to provide practical insights on resilience, reforms, and leadership needed to reposition Africa’s largest economy.
Line-up of Thought Leaders
A rich panel of speakers will anchor discussions. They include ICAN President, Haruna Yahaya; ICAN UK District Chairman, Akintayo Ojo; and ICAN UK Technical Secretary, Samuel Olayioye.
Also billed to speak are Abiola Bakare, Senior Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Budget and Finance; Tayo Ogundipe, Founder and CEO of Intelligra and SOLO; and Temitope Kolade, Business and Policy Advisor, ESG Consultant, and Associate Director at Anderson in Nigeria.
Organizers say the seminar will explore themes such as fiscal reforms, innovative governance, private sector resilience, and how Nigeria can better harness its diaspora and professional networks to drive reform.
A Call to Action
In a statement, ICAN UK noted that at 65, Nigeria has matured politically but continues to face critical socio-economic challenges requiring urgent interventions.
“Resilience and reform are not optional—they are the keys to Nigeria’s survival and growth in a highly competitive global economy,” the statement read. “This seminar will bring together thought leaders to share strategies that can reposition Nigeria for sustainable development.”
Global Perspective, Local Impact
With a hybrid audience of professionals, policymakers, and Nigerians in the diaspora expected to join the Zoom session, the event will provide both technical and policy-oriented discussions. Organizers emphasized that it will not only mark the country’s independence anniversary but also serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to secure Nigeria’s future.
